Catering launches its helping hand menu
Our Catering team understands and appreciates the ongoing challenges individuals face regarding the cost of living and know your food is a big part of that.
2yr ago
This is our first edition of Money Matters, You Matter - highlighting the latest iniativies and advice for cost of living at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Campaign launch: Money Matters, You Matter
The current cost of living crisis is affecting everyone, and in partnership with the Students' Union, we want to work together to support each other during this time. We have therefore created the Money Matters, You Matter campaign - where we will bring together advice, support, and initiatives to help you in saving and making money, accessing financial advice and support, and in coming together as a community.
Cost of Living Hub
As part of the Money Matters, You Matter campaign we have created a Cost of Living Hub. This will be updated regularly with the latest information, support, and events to help you during this time - so keep checking back regularly. We will also be releasing seasonal Money Matters, You Matter news articles to bring together the latest university news and initiatives on cost of living.
We're here for you
Most importantly, know that we are here for you. If you need some guidance, or experience any issues with finances or living costs, our Student Support Advisers can offer advice and support on:
- funding for full and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses
- university bursaries and scholarships
- applying for hardship funds including digital poverty hardship support
- assistance available in the local community
Getting early financial advice can help put you on the right track and give you peace of mind - so get in touch with our friendly advisers or come for a chat at one of our face-to-face or virtual drop-in.
Medway Student Support Fund
Students studying for an undergraduate degree taught at the Medway campus in the Universities of Greenwich, Kent and Canterbury Christ Church have an opportunity to apply to the Medway Student Support Fund for financial support. This bursary has been provided by a generous external donor and is available in addition to the individual Universities Hardship funds.
Applications are invited by students able to demonstrate that they are experiencing genuine hardship. Please go to Student Medway Support Application Form to access information on the eligibility criteria and complete your application. The deadline for applications is Friday 11th November 2022 (12 midday).
The Medway Student Support Fund board will evaluate applications and notify of awards to those successful by Friday 9th December 2022.
Helping you save and make money
We know how important reducing costs and having opportunities to earn money alongside your studies are to you - so we are working on a range of initiatives to help. Make sure you explore our dedicated page on the Cost of Living Hub for further details - this will be kept up-to-date with any new announcements.
Eat well, for less
We want to ensure all of the University community has access to nutritious, healthy food at affordable prices. This is why we have got together with our Head Chef to create our helping hand menu - a selection of classic and healthy lunch dishes costing £3.00 or less. We have also reduced our bargain breakfast to £2.20 for five items and don’t forget to look out for a range of discounts and offers via UPay, our cashless and secure payment system.
We also have a Refillable Van coming on to campus on the last Thursday of every month outside Verena Holmes between 1pm and 4pm. This provides a cost-effective way to top up on essentials while avoiding unnecessary packaging at the same time.
And if you are looking for inspiration for some healthy, nutritious meals that you can make at home or with your housemates then why not take a look at this series of videos with Head Chef Stuart and Hannah and give some recipes a go! Here is one to get you started...
Nutrition Survival for Students
The Spectrum.Life platform has a great online module “Nutrition Survival for Students” giving advice on eating on a budget, study snacks and recipes to improve your concentration. It also has over 275 recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks including lots of vegetarian and vegan options.
Register now to the Spectrum.Life platform and mobile app by clicking https://cccu.spectrum.life/login?org=CCCU and using your Canterbury Christ Church email address. Once registered you can bookmark the following link for logging in https://cccu.spectrum.life/login. You can download the app by searching for "Spectrum.Life" in your Google Play or Apple Store.
Earn while you learn
Come along to the Student Job Fair on 5 November from 9.30am- 3.30pm at the Food Court, and find out why Christ Church is not just a great place to study but a great place to work. Use this opportunity to discover the latest job opportunities at the University and access careers advice.
Plus, make sure you check-out the latest vacancies on Unitemps, our recruitment service for students, graduates and the community. This is the best place to start when looking for part-time work experience and want to earn some money while you study.
A popular opportunity to earn while you learn is through becoming a Student Ambassador. From giving back to the community to inspiring other students, and developing your employability skills to having flexibility - there are plenty of benefits to signing up!
Advice from the Student Support Advisers
1. Create a budget - planning ahead with your finances is important to make sure you can stay on top of your spending. There are a range of different tools that can support you in budgeting and managing your finances - so you can see what you are spending and where, estimate your costs, and see what money is left over to save or spend.
2. Keep an eye out for ways to save money - whether that's through asking for student discounts, utilising the Save the Student site for advice and freebies, or getting yourself a railcard if you regularly travel by train... There are plenty of ways to be money savvy.
3. Eat well, for less - making homemade meals is a great way to connect with others and save money. Here are some tips for making your money go further: buy non-branded goods at the supermarket, create a weekly meal plan so you only buy what you need, and make your meals in bulk so you can freeze the leftovers for another day.
And remember the Student Support Advisers are here to offer budgeting and saving advice if you ever need some additional support.
Upcoming events and new initiatives
We know how important personal connections and warm spaces are for your physical and mental wellbeing. That's why we're offering a range of opportunities to come together as a community.
Weekly opportunities to come together as a community
Come together over a free hot drink, have a chat with other students, and connect with our Student Wellbeing Service or Chaplaincy.
- Tea at Three - every weekday, 3pm in the Chaplaincy Centre: join the Chaplaincy for tea, coffee, biscuits, and conversation.
- Chooseday Chill - Tuesdays, 5pm-7pm in Augustine House: enjoy a free hot drink and toast, chat with other students and the Student Wellbeing Service, play games, have a go at crafts, and much more!
- World Café - Wednesdays, 12pm-2pm in the Blake Building, Medway: join the Medway Chaplain for a chat, a free hot drink and biscuits.
Café 41 - a warm space for a free hot drink or soup
Christ Church Students' Union have been working in partnership with our Catering Team to launch a social space in Café 41, next to The Lounge, where you can come together with friends during the day to relax or study and enjoy a free hot drink and/or soup. Open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.
Come along to the launch event happening on Thursday 24 November, 10am-4pm in Café 41. Chat to the CCSU Advice Team, enjoy some tea and cake, and connect with others.
Plus, make sure you explore our student events programme for more ways to connect with the wider Canterbury Christ Church Community.
Take a break and enjoy hot chocolate and biscuits!
StressLess is back this Autumn/Winter 2022/23 to support you in your end of semester assessments, and as part of this our Library Team will be running their popular events programme to help you take a break and connect with others. So if you're studying in Augustine House make sure you look out for free hot chocolates and biscuit decorating, coming soon to the second floor:
- Free Hot Chocolates: 8 Nov, 10am-12pm and 7 Dec, 1pm-3pm
- Biscuit Decorating: 18 Nov, 2pm-4pm and 1 Dec, 2pm-4pm
'How to make money' workshop series
The Careers and Enterprise Team have also created the 'Launch into Business' Programme, especially for current Canterbury Christ Church University students who want to become a freelancer or explore a business idea. Join them for an eight workshop series on 'How to Make Money' (whether that is freelancing, self-employment and setting up a side hustle) every Wednesday from 26 October, limited spaces so book now.
Coming soon...
- Christ Church Students' Union have been working in partnership with the Student Green Office to bring you the Veg Box initiative - locally sourced, seasonal vegetables available to collect from campus. Register your interest here.
- The Student Wellbeing Advisers will be running a Wellbeing Café on Thursdays to offer you another opportunity to come together for a free hot drink and conversation.